The great debate of all inclusive hotels vs. the non-all-inclusives in Nuevo Vallarta rages on, although the lines are becoming blurred.
People travel for different reasons. They choose their destinations for different reasons. They choose their hotels for different reasons. Therefore, there is no right or wrong when making your hotel choice, although I DO have an opinion on the subject (see below):
Reasons to not use an all inclusive hotel in Nuevo Vallarta:
- Part of the experience of traveling, is to discover local foods and Puerto Vallarta has many fine choices
- The thought of staying somewhere for 7 nights and eating at the same restaurants is very inhibiting.
- I want to have an adventure not sit by the pool all day
- I'll be out sightseeing/shopping/exploring and I don't want to have to come back to the hotel.
Reasons to book an all inclusive hotel in Nuevo Vallarta are the age-old resons for utilizing an all-inclusive just about anywhere:
- So much is included...all of my meals, drinks and snacks. Some water sports are included too.
- I know exactly what the cost of my trip will be.
- I don't have to worry about where to go to dinner, or how much will it cost.
For right now though, my opinion is to book the all-inclusive hotel in Nuevo Vallarata. Until the area gets a little more developed, your choices of dining options and sightseeing options are extremely limited. Most tours and sightseeing trips require you to start in Puerto Vallarta. In addition, unless you've rented a car, it's a $17 cab ride to Puerto Vallarta (each way).
Comments
Say NO to the Paladium
Just returned from Paladium, Puerto Vallarta. Nightmare. Resort is nice looking has soft sand but that was all that was nice. Party of 14 people and we all were sick for most of our time there. 6 kids in the group and they all were battling illness from day 3 onwards.
The dining conditions we realized were a health hazard. We complained about all the excess food found on the floor and under tables. We recorded 4 full days in a row where not so much as a broom crossed the floor.
The food situation was aggressive by the guests as there was a limited amount of 'not the same stuff' at the trough. Getting bacon for breakfast was a treat. Hotdogs for lunch and Hamburgers for dinner gets old very fast.
Then we were told by the hotel to be sure not to drink the hotel water(bottled water only). But do you think we could beg borrow or even steal a bottle of water in the place. We were told they were out of water. So a $50 cab ride to the store to buy jugs of water. The porters were nice to help us bring it securely to our rooms. Which were not cleaned on a regular basis.
The reason for the lousy service we found out when we asked to speak to the manager(on Vacation), asst. manager(on Vacation), someone in charge(oh..that is not my department). The resort had no staff for one of the busiest times of the year. 75%of its employees had gone home for Christmas. No one to even sweep the dinning room floor.
The resort is categorized as a 5 Star. I would say there are some 2 Star places I would prefer over this one.
If you do go I would suggest talking to your Dr. about taking antibiotics prior and during your trip to help your body manage things in case this place isn't able to.
All inclusive hotel for a wedding
I think all-inclusives are great for destination weddings. Having food and liquor included really works well for those friends and relatives who are attending.